Operators Look to Save on Rising Food Costs

Truckstop and travel plaza operators nationwide are working to reduce food waste as food prices continue to rise.
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Truckstop and travel plaza operators nationwide are working to reduce food waste as food prices continue to rise. This is the perfect opportunity for industry suppliers to share their expertise and help customers uncover innovative solutions to better manage purchases and minimize waste.

Suppliers can also provide a customer service by ensuring operators are aware of the trend, which the NATSO Foundation included in its report Chart Your Future: Trends Affecting the Travel Plaza and Truckstop Industry.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, in 2011 the Consumer Price Index for all food is projected to increase 3 to 4 percent. Cost pressures on wholesale and retail food prices due to higher energy and food commodity prices, along with strengthening global food demand, are driving the increases.

In 2011 beef prices are projected to increase 4.5 to 5.5 percent and pork prices 6 to 7 percent in 2011. In February, beef prices were 10.8 percent above February 2010, with steak prices up 11.2 percent and ground beef prices up 9.9 percent. Pork prices were up 8.9 percent above February 2010’s level.

Poultry and dairy prices are also on the rise. Prices in February 2011 were 2 percent above February 2010’s prices, with chicken prices up 1.3 percent and other poultry prices (including turkey) up 5.1 percent. Dairy prices in February 2011 were 2.4 percent above the February 2010 level.

To learn more about this and other industry trends, suppliers can learn more in the full trend study, which will be available later this year.

{HBMHighway Business Matters is a brief semi-monthly newsletter created exclusively for companies that provide products or services to the truckstop and travel plaza industry. Highway Business Matters will keep you informed on trends, tactics, and tips to help you connect to the $65 billion truckstop and travel plaza industry. 

Help tailor Highway Business Matters to meet your needs by sharing your feedback and story ideas. Send your input to: atoner@natso.com.

 

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